Guatemala

To experience Guatemala's Mayan culture unadorned, I leave the bustling, Spanish-colonial town of Antigua shortly after dawn and head past cobalt-blue Lake Atitlan, destined for 2,610-metre-high San Francisco El Alto.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: August 28, 2017 13:45 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESGuatemala - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Guatemala. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the violence, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur periodically throughout the country.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Guatemala. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYCrimeGuatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Latin America, but a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents are drug and gang related and occur in and around Guatemala City, in other major cities and in rural areas. Drug-related armed attacks occur in southeastern departments close to the borders with El Salvador and Honduras and along the overall border with Mexico, notably in the southwest department of San Marcos.Handguns and other small arms are very common. Criminals often operate in groups. Foreigners are often targets of robbery, carjacking, armed assault, sexual assault and rape. Crime levels tend to increase during the holiday seasons. Always maintain a high level of personal security awareness.Do not display signs of affluence, especially in airports. Avoid travelling alone (especially late at night) and avoid low-cost hotels with poor security. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and sufficient funds for the day. Never display laptop computers, mobile phones or other electronic devices. Exercise extreme caution when using automated banking machines (ABMs). If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist: injuries and deaths have occurred when victims have resisted.Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynching suspected child kidnappers and other suspected criminals. Avoid large crowds and gatherings because of the potential for violence.Demonstrations and political tensionsDue to a tense political situation, demonstrations may regularly take place in Guatemala City's Historic Downtown neighbourhood, and in nearby regions. Roadblocks may be erected, causing significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.Demonstrations have the potential to suddenly turn violent with little or no notice. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.Participation in demonstrations by foreigners may result in detention, expulsion, and the denial of future entry into Guatemala.Road safetyTravel by road can be risky. Local motorists generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices or vehicle maintenance. While most roads in urban areas are in fair condition, secondary streets and rural roads are poorly maintained and poorly lit. Steep, winding mountain roads and a lack of road signs present additional dangers.There is a high risk of robbery, especially on highways. Only undertake intercity travel by car during daylight hours, preferably in a convoy of two or more vehicles. Always drive with car windows closed and doors locked.Incidents of armed robberies through vehicle interception, and perpetrated by criminals posing as police, are increasing, notably on the Inter-American (or Pan-American) Highway (CA-1) and the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-2), and when travelling close to the border with El Salvador. Exercise extreme caution if you must travel on the CA-2 highway in the department of San Marcos (up to and including the border with Mexico) and do so during daylight hours only, due to an increase in violent incidents.The Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT, has a dedicated program aimed at tourist assistance, known as PROATUR, which can be reached by telephone at +502 2421 2810 or 1500 when calling from within Guatemala. Services are provided in English and Spanish. PROATUR can assist in arranging, with the National Police, security escorts for any road travel across the country. This arrangement must be done ahead of time. Tourists can request this service by email to operacionesproatur@inguat.gob.gt. While the service is free, you should expect to pay gratuities and gasoline.The Inter-American (or Pan-American) Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean are hazardous because of heavy traffic.Off-road travel in the remote highlands should be undertaken only after seeking advice from PROATUR or through a tour organized by a registered travel agency. INGUAT can confirm this registration and the assigned tour guide credentials.Avoid travelling on the isolated, small dirt roads near Lake Atitlán and on the road from Godinez to Panajachel, as they are rarely patrolled by police.Roadblocks erected due to roadwork are common, particularly in the northern and western departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Petén and Escuintla. These roadblocks may cause substantial delays, so it is highly recommended to amend you travel plans (for example, stay overnight in a safe lodging located in a major town, instead of travelling after dark.When entering the country by land, allow enough time for border formalities so that you can arrive in a major town before dark. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. Avoid exchanging money at border crossings, unless absolutely necessary, as doing so has sometimes resulted in armed robbery.Military and police forces conduct random vehicle searches along the border with Mexico.Public transportationLocal and intercity public buses are not safe. Problems include mechanical unreliability, the use of unlicensed drivers, frequent major road accidents and crime on board. Pickpocketing and armed robbery are daily occurrences.Public buses are frequently targeted by gangs who hurl grenades or fire shots as a way of ensuring compliance to extortion demands or to settle accounts. Drivers have been the targets of violence, including murder. Passengers have been subject to armed robbery, sometimes by fellow passengers.Do not travel on local public buses (“chicken buses”). Tourist shuttles travelling between popular destinations have been targeted by hijackers in the past.Only travel on intercity buses during daylight hours and with reliable tour companies, as fraud has occurred.Ensure that transportation and tour providers are reputable and reliable before booking. PROATUR or hotel staff can provide you with advice on the safest companies. In Guatemala City, only use official taxis and make detailed arrangements for the return trip. Advice on reliable taxi companies may also be obtained by inquiring with PROATUR or hotel staff.Air travelThe Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines' compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.General security informationTourists may obtain up-to-date security information through the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT (service available in English). INGUAT has a dedicated program aimed at tourist assistance, known as PROATUR, which can be reached by telephone at +502 2421 2810 or 1500 when calling from within Guatemala.When visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites, you should travel in groups and with a reputable tour company. Sexual assaults and robberies can occur, especially when security personnel normally deployed on these sites are absent. Stay informed of security conditions in the areas you plan to visit.Do not approach or photograph children and women, since many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for adoption or for theft of vital organs. Violent incidents involving foreigners have occurred.Cruise-ship passengers who book a tour or make other travel arrangements should ensure that the company is recognized by the cruise line. Confirm your itinerary with the ship and port authority, as well as with PROATUR.Exercise caution when swimming off the Pacific coast, and seek information about water conditions such as strong currents, riptides and undertow. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches.It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and are often corrupt. National police officers do not speak English. PROATUR officers are able to provide assistance in English.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Guatemalan authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians travelling to Guatemala must present a passport, which must be valid until the expected departure date from that country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. You must also comply with entry requirements for the United States, if transiting through that country. For more information, consult the Canada Border Services Agency.Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.VisasTourist visa: Not requiredBusiness visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredEnsure that your passport is stamped on entry. When entering Guatemala by land or sea, you may have to seek out the immigration official to stamp your passport. Those who fail to present an entry-stamped passport when departing Guatemala will incur delays and fines.Canadians intending to conduct business in Guatemala or wishing to stay in Guatemala for a period exceeding six months require a visa.Departure taxAn airport departure tax (which may be included in the price of the plane ticket) and a security tax of US$3 are charged upon departure and are payable in cash only.Central America-4 Border Control AgreementUnder the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (C-4), Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries-Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala-for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry to any of the C-4 countries. Travellers who exceed the 90-day limit can expect to pay a fine. An extension of up to 90 days is permitted once a year. If you are in Guatemala and the 90-day limit is set to expire, you must request this extension and pay the required fee at the General Directorate of Migration in Guatemala. The length of the extension is at the discretion of immigration authorities.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesPrivate hospitals and clinics in urban areas offer equivalent care to those in Canada and are much better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect extended jail sentences.LawsImporting or exporting items such as antiquities and artefacts may be subject to strict regulations. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in Canada for information and advice.People found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are subject to arrest and detention.If you are travelling with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. If you fail to leave Guatemala with your vehicle by the expiry date, you will have to pay taxes.DrivingAn International Driving Permit is recommended.If you are involved in a driving accident that results in injury or death, you may be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Guatemala. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Guatemalan citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Guatemalan passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.MoneyThe currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). It is not possible to exchange Canadian dollars (cash or traveller's cheques) in Guatemala. U.S. currency and traveller's cheques are readily convertible to local funds at most major banks. Do not accept torn notes, which can be difficult to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. Do not exchange large amounts of currency with informal money changers. Some ABMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit personal identification number. Canadian debit cards with a five-digit personal identification number are not widely accepted; it is preferable to carry a four-digit personal identification number card.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEForest FiresForest fires often occur from November to June. Even though they can happen anywhere, they usually affect the Petén area. In the event of a major fire, you should follow the instructions of local emergency services, particularly with regard to evacuation procedures. Monitor local media for updated information.Hurricane and rainy seasonsHurricane seasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Flash floods and mudslides are common occurrences, causing temporary road closures. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.Seismic activityGuatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an earthquake.VolcanoesThe Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes present consistently moderate activity, which is considered to be within normal parameters. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an explosion or eruption.

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